Michigan tight end ready for breakout year after injury-plagued 2025 season

Hogan Hansen looks to bounce back from limited action in 2025 and become a key piece of the Wolverines' offense.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Michigan tight end in action, with sharp geometric planes of maize and blue representing the explosive energy and athleticism of the player.After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Michigan tight end Hogan Hansen is primed for a breakout year in the Wolverines' new offense.Ann Arbor Today

After being limited to just four games as a sophomore in 2025 due to injuries, Michigan tight end Hogan Hansen is fully healthy and eager to have a breakout year in 2026. The former four-star recruit from Bellevue, Washington, is expected to play a prominent role in the tight end room with the departures of Colston Loveland and Marlin Klein.

Why it matters

Hansen had a promising freshman campaign in 2024, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the Wolverines' offense, which is expected to be balanced and explosive under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck.

The details

Hansen, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end, was sidelined for the 2025 season opener with a shoulder injury and then missed most of the remainder of the year due to a different soft tissue injury after returning for Weeks 2 and 3. Now fully healthy after a productive offseason and spring practices, Hansen is eager to build off his promising freshman campaign and become a reliable target in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker.

  • Hansen was named the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024.
  • In 2025, Hansen was limited to just four games due to injuries.
  • Hansen has had a full offseason and participated in spring practices in 2026.

The players

Hogan Hansen

A 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end who is expected to play a prominent role in Michigan's offense in 2026 after being limited to just four games in 2025 due to injuries.

Jason Beck

The new offensive coordinator at Michigan, who previously led Utah to a top-five finish nationally in total offense last year.

Colston Loveland

A former Michigan tight end who is no longer with the team, creating opportunities for Hansen.

Marlin Klein

Another former Michigan tight end who is no longer with the team, creating opportunities for Hansen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just excited to be healthy and go out and play healthy without any limitations. I'm just excited to get back to it and build off freshman (year). Maybe last year wasn't the greatest year, how I saw it play out for myself. So just scratch all that and new offense, new staff, go out and get it this year.”

— Hogan Hansen, Michigan tight end

“This is definitely a season I put in a lot. I want to go succeed this year and I think I can. I can do it all, especially in this offense. It's explosive in the run and pass, so whether that's blocking on the perimeter, running down the seam, going up and catching the ball, I'm just excited to be healthy and contribute more.”

— Hogan Hansen, Michigan tight end

“I think it suits me well. I like getting out on the edge, blocking on the perimeter, pin-and-pull concepts. It's exciting because it can be explosive in both the run and pass game.”

— Hogan Hansen, Michigan tight end

What’s next

Hansen will look to make an impact in Michigan's annual spring scrimmage on Saturday as he aims to solidify his role in the offense for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, Hansen is poised to bounce back and become a key contributor for the Wolverines in 2026. His skill set and the new offensive system under coordinator Jason Beck appear to be a good match, giving Hansen an opportunity to showcase his abilities and help Michigan's offense reach new heights.